Fantastic Friday Update

We’re delighted to share that Herts Inclusive Theatre (HIT) has joined Communities 1st, helping to protect and build on 25 years of inclusive theatre and creative work across Hertfordshire.

HIT describes itself as “a stage for everyone”, creating opportunities for people to perform, build confidence, make friendships, express themselves and find a place where they belong.

HIT joins Trestle Theatre and Para Dance UK as part of Communities 1st, building on the shared belief that everyone should have opportunities to create, participate and connect.

Whether you’re looking for work, thinking about a new direction or simply want to build your confidence and skills, our free Employment Courses are here to help.

There are three courses to choose from:

A New You
Build confidence and develop practical skills for work and everyday life. Across four interactive sessions, you’ll explore teamwork, assertiveness, stress awareness, communication and life skills, with plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Getting the Right Job
Take some of the stress out of job hunting. Explore your skills and strengths, develop your CV and application skills, and build confidence in preparing for and taking part in interviews.

IT Skills for Work
Develop your digital confidence and practical IT skills to help you navigate the modern workplace and take your next steps towards employment.

Courses are running in Hoddesdon, Hatfield, Stevenage, Borehamwood, St Albans, Royston and Bishop’s Stortford.

Visit our Community Learning page to find out more or email training@communities1st.org.uk or call 01727 649950.

If you enjoy spooky stories, this could be for you! After the death of their father, three estranged siblings return home for the funeral. Burdened with their dad's failing pub and a weird painting, they must decide whether to work together to save The Nag's Head or succumb to their inner demons. 

When: 17 October 2026, 7:30pm-9:00pm

Where: Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 0JQ

Tiny Giants is a playful, hands-on puppetry workshop for children aged 5–11 that brings everyday, overlooked materials to life through imagination, making and storytelling. 

Children are guided step by step through creating their own puppet using found materials such as newspaper, tin foil, scraps of plastic and even old (clean!) socks. As they build, they’ll develop a character inspired by the material they’ve chosen, exploring the journeys these objects may have been on before reaching them.

When: 30 October 2026, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Where: Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 0JQ

Charities across Hertfordshire are looking for friendly and reliable volunteer drivers to help local people get to appointments, activities, events and other essential journeys. Opportunities are available driving cars or minibuses, and a kind, supportive approach is just as important as being a confident driver.

Help shape mental health support in Hertfordshire

Herts Viewpoint is inviting adult Black men who live, work or have a connection to Hertfordshire to join a relaxed and respectful conversation about mental health services.

The focus group will explore what helps or prevents Black men from seeking mental health support, and what could make services and information feel more relevant, accessible and trusted.

You do not need to have used mental health services to take part.

📅 Wednesday 7 October 2026
⏰ 6pm–8pm
📍 South Hill Centre, Cemetery Hill, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1JF

Food will be provided and participants will receive compensation for their involvement.

Hot weather, pregnancy and newborn health | Closing 30 September

Via this online survey, researchers are interested in your experiences of hot weather during pregnancy or caring for a newborn (if applicable) and any actions you have taken during periods of hot weather during pregnancy or caring for a newborn (if applicable). Eligibility criteria for the survey and more information can be found by clicking the button below.

Understanding the experiences of people who support or care for those affected by cancer

Caring for someone with cancer can be challenging, exhausting and often invisible. Many care-givers say they simply “get on with it” and are not always asked how things are for them.

To be able to recognise and support carers better, people are being asked to share these experiences via a survey. Responses will be used to help improve local services, shape future support, and make sure carers are better recognised, listened to and supported.

Every response matters. 

📅 Open until 31 October 2026

The NHS Patient Entrepreneur Programme could help you turn your experience and ideas into solutions that improve patient care.

Applications open on 19 October 2026.

Find out more about the Patient Entrepreneur Programme, check the eligibility criteria and learn how to apply.